Traces of the Middle Ages in Thurgau

Thurgau is a particularly good place to travel in the footsteps of the Middle Ages. This is because the Council of Constance - the largest congress of the Middle Ages - took place in neighboring Constance from 1414 to 1418. The aim was to unify the church and to make one pope out of three. Many traces of this turbulent time are still visible today - including in Thurgau. If you look closely, you will discover castles, monasteries, old city walls and mysterious stories.

End-time mood throughout Europe

By the end of the 14th century at the latest, the medieval world view was completely out of joint. After a pope from Avignon and a pope from Rome had been arguing for some time about who was the true representative of Christ on earth, a third pope was now added. In addition, hostilities reigned throughout Europe and the plague flared up again.

"habemus papam"

In this chaos, King Sigismund called a council. They met for several years before the conclave could begin at the port of Constance. On November 11, 1417, it was finally said "habemus papam" - we have a pope! But without Thurgau, as a natural hinterland with sufficient food and accommodation, this event in Constance would not have been possible. And there are still countless traces of this important time in the region today.

"The Kreuzlingen mitre - probably the most precious memento of the Council period - is on display in the historical museum in Frauenfeld Castle."

Magnificent status symbol

Visitors to Frauenfeld Castle can marvel at one of the most valuable art treasures from the time of the Council: the mitre. Before Pope John XXIII arrived in Constance, he spent the night at Kreuzlingen Abbey. In gratitude for the hospitality he received, he granted the abbot of the convent the right to wear a mitre. The abbot took the opportunity to make himself a real status symbol.

To the Historical Museum

Fool's Mountain

The Bonapartes once made Arenenberg Castle, which towers over Untersee, their seat of exile. Under the name "Narrenberg", the complex was owned by important patrician families during the Council. In the medieval patrician garden, visitors today get a good impression of how our ancestors imagined paradise 600 years ago.

To the Arenenberg

Ways of the Council

To mark the 600th anniversary of the Council of Constance, Thurgau Tourism has developed several "Ways of the Council" that connect the medieval treasures with each other. A practical and free adventure map shows the way. Visitors to Thurgau can now cycle on the Council Tour, hike on the Bishopric Trail or a pilgrimage route and follow in the footsteps of the Council chronicler Ulrich Richental.

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"Historical treasures, castles, forts and much more. There are countless traces of this period to discover in Thurgau !"

Medieval experiences

Frauenfeld

Historical Museum Thurgau

The flagship of the Thurgau Historical Museum is Frauenfeld Castle, a cultural monument of national importance. The castle invites you on a multifaceted journey into the past and represents Thurgau's history spanning almost 800 years. Admission is free.

Salenstein

Arenenberg Garden World

The gardening tradition on the Arenenberg dates back at least as far as the Middle Ages. Hortense de Beauharnais and the garden prince Pückler also brought the Arenenberg into bloom. Today, the diverse gardens are a popular destination for day-trippers and the viewing terrace in front of the castle is considered one of the most romantic places on Lake Constance.

Discover more cultural experiences

Whether it's a visit to a museum, a guided tour of a monastery or a sculpture trail - Thurgau offers a variety of insights into history, art and tradition. Ideal for anyone who likes to combine culture with exercise and nature.

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